I’ve got hungry eyes

Now I’ve got you in my sights

With those hungry eyes

Now, did I take you by surprise…

Lyrics from the hit song by Eric Carmen seem appropriate when describing the talents of Amera Garner whenever she’s in the circle pitching. The competitive spirit of the junior pitcher for the Sulphur Lady Bulldogs is displayed both on and off the field of play. “Amera’s presence in the circle can be intimidating to some with her hard throwing ability and the glare that she has in her eyes,” said head coach Heath Gilbert.

In love with the game of softball since she first started playing at age four, Garner continues to wear the same number-1 jersey even now with the Lady Bulldogs while embracing the opportunity to be a game changer and displaying a true champion’s character. “The toughest thing about pitching is all of the pressure that kind of sits on my shoulders until the game is over,” explained Garner who also plays first base and the outfield when not pitching. “Character is important to me, because as a pitcher, your teammates kind of feed off of your energy and how you handle yourself.”

Noting her admiration for former Oklahoma Sooners standout Keilani Ricketts, the crafty lefty aspires to reach the same championship level talents of her favorite player. Known to her closest friends as “Buff or Mera”, she was definite when choosing self-describing words.     “Confident, genuine, and friendly paints a true picture of me every day. Confident is the most important to me because if I don’t have confidence in what I’m doing, I can’t play to my best potential.”

Noting that she draws never-ending energy from the support of her parents as her biggest fans, Garner continues to draw recruiting interests from the NCAA Division-I level softball circles and has high hopes for a career of helping others. “I would love to go somewhere in the medical field,” replied Garner. “I’m leaning towards becoming a physical therapist or assistant. Where I go to college, that’s still an unanswered question as I’m searching for what’s best for me and my family.”

Until then, coach Gilbert welcomes Garner back to the field for another season in 2022. And with the stare of her “hungry eyes” proving her will to win, there should be no surprise that Amera Garner will continue to find success on and off the field.

Photo courtesy Sabrina Duck Photography